The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has directed 20 state-owned universities across Nigeria to begin preparations for an indefinite strike over delays in implementing the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union.
The affected universities are expected to issue a 14-day ultimatum to their respective state governments to address the outstanding issues.
If the demands are not met within the period, the universities may begin industrial action.
The decision was reached at ASUU’s National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on August 8 and 9, 2026.
The union said the planned strike was mainly linked to problems with the implementation of the 2025 agreement, including the payment of allowances and funding obligations owed to university lecturers.
The agreement was signed by the Federal Government and ASUU on January 14, 2026, after years of negotiations.
The agreement followed the conclusion of a renegotiation process between the government committee and ASUU in December 2025.
It contains provisions for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, Earned Academic Allowance and Professorial Allowance, among other issues concerning the welfare and working conditions of lecturers.
However, ASUU said implementation has been uneven, particularly in state-owned universities.
According to available reports, only about 10 state universities have fully implemented the agreement, while more than 57 others are still experiencing difficulties with its implementation.
ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, said the union’s national leadership had reviewed the situation and agreed that affected universities should begin preparations for industrial action if the outstanding issues were not resolved.
The union also expressed concern over what it described as delays by the Federal Government in providing the financial support needed for full implementation of the agreement.
The 20 universities affected by the planned action are:
- Nasarawa State University, Keffi
- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai
- University of Medical Sciences, Ondo
- Gombe State University
- Plateau State University, Bokkos
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa
- Abia State University, Uturu
- University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo
- Kaduna State University
- Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
- Northwest University, Kano
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology
- Imo State University
- Niger Delta University
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua
- Bayelsa Medical University
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
The proposed strike could disrupt academic activities in the affected institutions if the issues are not resolved before the 14-day ultimatum expires.
